I believe the book has photos, which in my opinion would cement this story into the reader’s mind quite firmly. However, I listened to the audiobook, so naturally I did not see the photos, but the words alone were magical.

Such a tragic story, yet inspiration and love shone through. The husband and father of the Bloom family wrote about their worst nightmare, sharing the details of his wife’s terrible accident and what followed. My heart went out to her, and to the rest of the family. And my heart swelled when Penguin came into their lives to help and be helped. It’s a marvelous story, but I wish they didn’t have to experience any of it.

I cannot know what Sam went through, and continues to experience. But this book shows that even in the worst circumstances, love and light and sheer will power can improve the situation. Truly, I’m lost for words and can only say that the book is worth your time. Be prepared for tears, and that warm fuzzy feeling you get when love conquers all.

Highly recommended. ( )

What a little gem this book was! I picked it up on a whim and fell in love with it within a few pages. At times heartbreaking, at others "Penguin Bloom" was humorous and heartwarming. I was moved by the Blooms' story and Penguin captivated my heart. The gorgeous photos of this little magpie with her family made this book special. While Penguin might be the smallest Bloom in stature, she certainly has the biggest personality. As the author stated, 'angels come in all shapes and sizes.' A beautiful read. ( )

This book was not what I expected. Instead of a tale of how a bird helped a family, it is more of a philosophical/help book with this family's travails interspersed throughout. I did love the photographs, though. ( )

The prologue, written by Bloom, gives a brief biography and an account of the heartbreaking injury to his wife Sam. Soon after her return from hospital their son found an injured magpie chick that had fallen from its nest onto a parking lot and the family had two patients to look after. The book describes Sam's devastating injury along with captivating photos of Penguin and how her antics helped. The photos, on opposite pages to text, correspond beautifully with the content of the text, illustrating how the magpie shared the lives of the Bloom family. As Cameron said: "Angels come in all shapes and sizes."

Sam wraps up the book with her side of the story and gives excellent advice about how to treat someone who has suffered a life-shattering injury.

A percentage of the royalties, matched by the publisher. will be donated to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. ( )

I can't say anything about this book that many others haven't already said, and probably said better. What I will say is - This is a tale, told with great sympathy rather than a disheartening sadness. There are no doubt a countless number of stories out there that we'll never hear, of other people who have suffered a severe spinal cord injury and I'm sure Sam Bloom is an inspiration to many. Sam is strong. She was lucky to have had strong support and unconditional love from her husband and three young sons. The serendipitous circumstances that brought a baby magpie into their lives was a god send. I'm sure little Penguin helped them all through a time in their lives that could have seen their family life shattered beyond repair. I particularly take my hat off to Sam Bloom for her candid and sincere words at the end of the book. Here is a personal message of guidance aimed at others, like her, who are recovering after injury and some realistic, practical advice for their family and friends. ( )